Driver Charged in Deaths of Four

A man charged with four counts of intoxication manslaughter is an illegal alien who only a few weeks ago was arrested on another alcohol-related charge, officials say.

Roberto Castillo, 19, remained in the Washington County jail this morning under $2 million bond after authorities say he slammed into another vehicle at the intersection of Highway 36 South and FM 109 about 1:30 a.m. Sunday.

Authorities said Castillo’s pickup truck struck a 1998 Mustang carrying four people, who all died from injuries they suffered in the crash. Their identities had not yet been released this morning.

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According to reports, Castillo was arrested July 30 after an off-duty Washington County deputy reported he was driving erratically.

Castillo was subsequently arrested by a Brenham police officer and charged with driving under the influence by a minor, a Class C misdemeanor.

He was released after posting bail.

Chief Deputy Mike Herzog said it’s doubtful that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were contacted about Castillo’s arrest and illegal alien status.

“At that time, ICE was only taking Class B and above (offenders),” Herzog said. “This was a Class C misdemeanor.”

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Castillo was unhurt and briefly fled into a nearby mobile home park before being found and taken into custody.

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